Travel themed bridal shower activities are close to my heart and making them for non-traditional brides is even closer to my heart and I have a story as to why…
Not so long ago I woke up one morning to an email that took me completely by surprise. Someone had emailed me to tell me how disgusting (their word) it was to have a bridal shower game called Porn or Polish. Apparently, this was so offensive to her that she took the time to locate my email, compose the hateful message, and send it out without considering anyone else.
Now look, she has every right to her feelings but she did not have a right to lecture me. This person was not a customer of mine, she was not on my email list, we had no connection. She just saw the game and took it upon herself to “fix” me. Don’t worry, I didn’t need fixing.
I’ll be honest with you, I was in a bit of a tiff and as you can see it still irritates me if I think about it too long. However, it’s not me I’m upset for, but all the brides that played and/or purchased this game. How dare she use her personal belief to chastise me and therefore my customers.
That’s not okay, and never will be. I became defensive of those brides who enjoy the non-traditional games and maybe like to add a bit of spice to their showers. There’s nothing wrong with that. Brides should be able to have a Bridal Shower that fits them. And if playing a risqué game is part of that, so be it.
Be proud and embrace whatever games you want, don’t let the haters get you down. If someone doesn’t like the game, they don’t have to buy it or play it. I don’t understand why she needed to let me know her opinion, but she did. In turn, it just inspired me to give the non-traditional brides more love with these travel themed bridal shower activities.
Now I have a confession to make: I really hate traditional bridal showers. There, I said it. Why are they always so stuffy? Supposedly you’re surrounded by your friends and family that love you no matter what, but you’re expected to dress up and sit in someone’s house. There’s really no *good* reason why bridal shower activities have to suck. There’s too many options these days.
I know what you’re thinking: “that’s what the Bachelorette Party is for!”, and while I agree, I still believe you can have a bridal shower that’s not typical but still respectful of everyone and grateful that they are celebrating you. Who made the rule that in order to be thankful for people, you also have to be bored?
I have another confession to make. This is actually a re-vamp of a previous post from earlier in 2020. After receiving the aforementioned email I decided it needed a change. I wanted to really make it more about the non-traditional bride and give her some real love. While doing so, I realized a lot of these activities are travel inspired. I’m all about the non-traditional bridal shower and all about travel so this was the perfect time to join the two.
I’m sharing bridal shower activities that don’t suck and are travel inspired. Be warned, this is not a post on bridal shower games. You won’t find activities that can all be done sitting around someone’s house in a circle in the living room, but some can! These take a bit more effort and a bit more thinking outside the box, but I believe in you. If you or the bride you’re planning for are a bit less traditional then this is for you.
The first activity you could do is have a casino day or night. You can even bring it to your house. A Casino is the perfect couples bridal shower idea. Order a Casino to come to your house and you don’t even have to leave.
As the saying goes “Paris is always a good idea” and it’s even better for a bridal shower. Have Parisian themed games or a Paris-themed brunch.
This next idea is one that will probably take you outdoors. Go sailing for your bridal shower or simply make it nautical by hitting the pool. The invite below was truly inspired by my time in Hawaii and the lovely colors you find there.
One idea I love seeing is the sports theme party. I mostly see this with bachelorette parties, but why not go to a baseball game, basketball game, or any other sporting event for the bridal shower? It’s perfect for couples.
There’s nothing like a good road trip. And I can’t really offer travel inspired bridal shower activities without including this one.
Personally, I love a good camping trip and if you’re similar then why not camp for your bridal shower? You could also hit a ropes course as a great way to bond with your family and friends.
One activity my husband and I love to do when we travel is find a kayak to rent. It’s a fun thing to do together but I’ll be honest I love the double kayak as I can take lots of breaks. 🙂 He’s a little more into it than I am but I do help when it’s needed.
Awesome artwork here by: https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/leisure
Being from Texas, the country theme is definitely one I see a lot. If you’re bride is into the “boots and bling” idea, then spend the party at a dance hall, or learn line dancing lessons online at home.
If you’re a New Orleans bride or know one then this activity may be for you. Plan a New Orleans or Mardi Gras inspired bridal shower. Don masks and beads if you wish!
Personally, I love wine, and I recently found out you can have a Traveling Wine Tasting come right to your house. How great is that?
A Fiesta is always a good idea. If you go with this theme, then you have loads of different activities to choose from. Make fajitas, learn salsa dancing, or just have margaritas.
Movies are always a good time and you can go out our stay in. You can watch them during the day or at night. Pick the bride’s favorite movie, or just one that’s wedding themed.
Finally, I love this last idea. Since I’m photographer, I obviously love photos and I sort of wish I had done this for a bridal shower. Hire a photographer to take a few fun photos of the bride with her best friends and family.
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